Minnesota Statute 80C states no person may offer or sell any franchise in this state unless there is an effective registrations statement on file in accordance with the provisions of 80C.01 to 80C.22 or unless the franchise or transaction is exempted under section 80C.03. Read the full text of Minnesota Statue 80C.
A Franchise registration is effective for 12 months from the date the commissioner's order is issued. A registrant must file a report, in the form prescribed by rule of the commissioner, before the end of the registration effective period.
As of January 15, 2021, all initial, amendment and renewal applications, and exemptions must be filed online via the e-File system ComOnline. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
Form Requirements
Minnesota Department of Commerce follows the NASAA State Cover Sheet Requirements and the 2008 NASAA Financial Registration and Disclosure Guidelines. A complete franchise registration application must include the following forms. Commerce does not accept electronic signatures. Remote or Online notaries are accepted.
- Cover Sheets and State Effective Dates Page [pdf]
- Uniform Franchise Registration Application (Form A, includes a notarized Certification Statement) [pdf]
- Franchiser's Costs and Sources of Funds (Form B) [pdf]
- Uniform Consent to Service of Process (Form C, must be notarized, naming Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce) [pdf]
- Franchise Seller Disclosure Form (Form D) [pdf]
- Guarantee of Performance (Form E, only required if parent company or affiliate will be guaranteeing the franchisors performance) [pdf]
- Consent of Accountant (Form F, must be on accountant’s letterhead) [pdf]
- Franchise Disclosure Document (The filing must be prepared in accordance with NASAA’s Franchise Registration and Disclosure Guidelines and must follow any applicable commentary.) [pdf]